Wednesday, 12 February 2014

Seen but not Heard. Cemetery Portraits

When I'm in Menton, and I'm in the right mood, I like to visit the ancient cemeteries.

Both the popular Cimetière du Vieux-Chateau and the lesser known Cimetière du Trabuquet have enviable panoramic views from their grand perches high above the town. I find both to be beautiful in their own way but it's the Cimetiere du Vieux-Chateau where all the tourists go. Believe it or not, it boasts its own Trip Advisor page, filled with glowing reviews, I might add.

There's a friendly tabby who frequents the Cimetiere du Vieux-Chateau. She seems happy to
spend her days there like a feline guardian, taking in the sun and, I like to imagine, chasing the occasional mouse. She probably finds serenity here since it's interdit (forbidden) to bring dogs past the big front gates. I imagine that visitors, who may have fallen into a contemplative or generous mood, pause to offer her a little scratch. I know I do.

View from the Cimetiere du Vieux-Chateau

One thing that always fascinates me
about French cemeteries is the custom of placing photos of the dearly
departed on gravestones and tombs.

At first I thought the practice to be a bit macabre but over the years,
my eyes have gradually become accustomed to the portraits and now I see a
poignant beauty in them, a way of expressing loyalty and remembrance to loved ones.

It
takes courage to look at some of these portraits, especially the ones
of children and infants but I thought they were worth sharing.

Would you want your portrait placed on your grave? I can't decide about mine.

Sweeping sea views from the Cimetiere Trabuquet

Military graves in the Cimetiere Trabuquet

On April 24, 1952, there were torrential rains in Menton causing a landslide in which brothers Charles and Eugenie Giordan and their granddaughter Monique Corradi perished. Charles Giordan's body was found 37 years later, buried one metre deep near his property.